Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica 12€, St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€
Spanish Speaking guide - if option selected
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Options
Legendary Venice with terraces
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
Legendary Venice No Terrace
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Private - Legendary Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Reviews
5,167 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour, better guide!
sledge1067,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked through a travel agency, so I'm not sure what the cost was for any individual excursions we made. If I had it to do over again I'd request our guide, Kiara, 1000%! She was passionate and knowledgeable and elevated the tour to an experience! The tour was 3 hours and had some tight areas and steep stairs. Bring your best walking shoes, and be prepared to learn! The only issue was the earpieces were heavy/bulky and there was some interference at times. We've taken other tours that had solo ear buds and that was a better experience, but it was still an overall amazing time and I'd highly recommend it for adults or HIGHLY mature children.
Informative tour
Dana S,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Entry to Saint marks, the terrace and Doges The tour is very informative. Steps are involved to the terrace and doges so be prepared A great way to learn about the church and it may not be for small children based on the amount of information but if you want to know all the details of the church and Doge , it’s very informative
Ancient Venice brought to life!
Ruthann C,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Touring St. Mark’s and the Doge’s Palace with a guide was the best way to see these two iconic venues. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared a wealth of information. I believe her name was Elleanora. She was awesome! Highly recommend seeing these places with a guide- it really gave us a whole different perspective than just walking around by ourselves and looking at the sites. I would warn against this tour only if you have mobility issues as there a lot of stairs.
Doges Palace and St. Marks Square
andrealD1519QC,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Carolina was very kind and informative. She knew a lot of history and answered all of my questions. Highly recommend!
Venice’s best guide!
P2071SYclaraw,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Valentina S. was incredible!! Truly the most informative tour guide available. She taught us so much about the incredible history and culture of Venice.
St Mark’s and Doge Palace
Janis T,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Valentina was excellent. She was personable and very knowledgeable.
Great tour
Albert C,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to see the key areas, learn a bit of Venice history, and have some fun on the way. Great tour guide (Valentina S).
Venetian History in 2.5 hours
JianM2,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Valentina S made our visit of Venice very special by sharing stories of the Golden Basilica and the Doge’s palace. We learnt so much and her narration was fun and memorable
Palace tour
nilssZ1792RC,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were on a great tour with Chiara. She explained everything very well and is extremely nice. She gave us time to look at stuff for ourselves. Would recommend.
Absolutely recommended
960wiebkeh,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Shannon was amazing and the tour was worth every penny. We booked for 8 am and is was lovely and quiet at the start. Would 100% recommend.
From €74.00
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